Yaoya Oshichi holding a battledore paddle c. 1744 - 1751

Okumura Masanobu created this woodblock print, Yaoya Oshichi holding a battledore paddle, in Japan during the 18th century. The image is dominated by the figure of a woman in an elaborate kimono, rendered through detailed patterning and a muted palette of yellows, pinks, and blacks. The flatness of the print emphasizes the intricate designs of her garment, drawing our eye across the surface. This visual emphasis on design invites us to consider the semiotic elements at play. The kimono, with its combination of geometric and floral motifs, becomes a site of cultural coding. The flatness of the composition, typical of ukiyo-e prints, disrupts traditional Western notions of depth and perspective, challenging fixed ways of seeing. Ultimately, the print’s formal qualities extend beyond mere aesthetics. The visual interplay between surface and depth, flatness and ornamentation, reflects a broader engagement with cultural values and artistic conventions. The artwork invites us to interpret its intricate patterns as an expression of cultural identity, and to consider the ways in which these visual signs communicate meaning within a specific historical and social context.